The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement and Jatiya Nagorik Committee on Tuesday issued an ultimatum to the government to announce the ‘July Proclamation’ by January 15, issuing a note of warning against delays.

The ultimatum was declared during the "March for Unity" programme held at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital.

Jatiya Nagorik Committee spokesperson Samantha Sharmin said, "No steps have been taken regarding the July proclamation, even five months after the resurgence. The government must act by January 15."

Umama Fatema, spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, criticised the delay, stating, "This declaration is a historical responsibility. We won’t tolerate further postponements. The road has become the people's solution, and we urge the government to negotiate. If not, the people will act."

Fatema reiterated demands for justice and accountability, emphasising, "No elections before the Awami League faces trial. Justice for martyrs and the injured must be guaranteed."

She affirmed that the movement would not falter, declaring, "July is not dead."

Jatiya Nagorik Committee Member Secretary Akhter Hossain stressed the importance of a Constituent Assembly election. "This declaration will inspire the drafting of a new constitution and must not be delayed," he said.

Convener Nasir Uddin Patwary highlighted the need for institutional reforms. "This proclamation is a milestone. It must address the collapse of government institutions over 53 years and establish a robust, independent foreign policy," he added.

Thousands gathered at the Central Shaheed Minar earlier in the day, with participants arriving from districts like Rangpur, Patuakhali, Chattogram, Natore, Panchagarh, and Sirajganj.

Marchers chanted slogans such as "Delhi or Dhaka," "Struggle, Struggle," "Injustice will drown in the flood of blood," and "We Demand the Trial of Killer Hasina."

Students, Nagorik Committee demand July Proclamation by Jan 15

The event, organised by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, sought to rally support for the interim government’s initiative to draft the declaration recognising the July uprising through national consensus.

Speakers at the event declared, "Our struggle continues. The martyrs' bloodstains have not dried, yet autocracy is being rehabilitated. We will resist intellectuals and groups opposing our fight against fascism."

Clash in Bagerhat

UNB’s Bagerhat correspondent reported that at least 20 people were injured when miscreants attacked a motorcade of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement in Mollahat upazila en route to Dhaka.

The convoy, consisting of 25 buses from Khulna, was attacked around 11:30 am at Mollahat's Madrashaghat. Witnesses said an argument between students and bus staff escalated into violence when attackers vandalised a bus and hurled brick chips.

Students fill Central Shaheed Minar with 'March for Unity' slogans

Zahurul Tanvir, a coordinator of the movement in Khulna, alleged that collaborators of the ruling Awami League were behind the attack, which turned the area into a "battlefield."

Vehicular movement on the Dhaka-Khulna Highway was disrupted for two hours before police and Army personnel restored order. Mollahat Police Station OC Shafiqul Islam confirmed that bus staff and locals were involved in the attack.

Confusion

Confusion arose earlier in the day when the interim government announced it would read out the July Proclamation, leaving participants unsure if the event would proceed as planned.

The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement had initially announced the proclamation would be made at the Shaheed Minar on Tuesday. A press conference at their Banglamotor office at 1:45 am on December 30 confirmed the 'March for Unity' at 3:00 pm.